Paper and card recycling systems see a 40% increase in plastic contamination in the winter months as rain turns cardboard into a ‘wet magnet’ for plastics and other recycling materials DS Smith, the sustainable packaging and recycling company, is expecting a 40% increase in contaminated recycling this winter versus summer, as rain turns cardboard into a ‘wet magnet’ for plastics and other recycling.
This ‘sticky cardboard’ problem could see over 5,000 tonnes of plastic find its way into the UK’s paper and card recycling system over the course of the winter, affecting the quality of the paper and card that is sent for recycling.
This comes after record-breaking rainfall already this year, with September being the wettest calendar month since records began nearly two hundred years ago
Scott continues: “At the largest paper mill for recycled papers in the UK, we process over a fifth of the paper and cardboard recycled in the UK each year, turning it into new packaging papers that can be used to make boxes and paper bags. The mill is a key part of the UK’s circular economy, but it can be affected by the changing seasons. In the worst cases, when contamination is really high, we have to reject paper and card that could have been recycled. “
Even with the rainfall expected this winter, there are actions Brits can take at home to help boost the quality of what they recycle. Jonathan Scott shares his top five tips for ensuring people are recycling their paper and card as best they can:
- Follow your local recycling guidelines
Due to the various recycling rules in the UK, there isn’t a ‘one size’ fits all approach to keeping your paper and cardboard recycling dry. You should always check the recycling guidelines from your local authority to see how you can do this best. - Keep your lid on
If you have a bin with a lid on it, you should try ensuring that it stays on during the rainy period. A closed lid goes a long way to help keep your materials clean, dry and enables it to be more easily separated. - Store your cardboard inside when it rains
Another key tip is to try keep your paper and cardboard sheltered when it does start to rain. This is particularly helpful if your bin doesn’t have a lid. It won’t be possible for all households, but if you can, consider storing recycling under shelter, such as sheds or garages. - Leave your recycling to dry if it needs to be washed
This is only applicable if all your recycling material is collected in one bin, but if you rinse your plastic, glass or tin containers of food or other bits, make sure you leave them to dry before placing them in the recycling bin. By putting them straight in, you could be affecting the quality of the paper and cardboard you’ve already collected. - Consider using your local recycling centres
If you’re worried about the paper and cardboard you recycle being exposed to the elements throughout winter, you can take your recycling to the local recycling center. They will sort the materials themselves meaning it will have a better chance of avoiding contamination.
Stagnating and sometimes falling recycling rates are an increasingly worrying issue, given that the UK is currently ranked 25th out of 30 European countries for paper and card recycling rates. Whilst people can take steps to make sure their cardboard recycling stays dry before it is collected, separation of recycling would significantly reduce contamination.
